THQ to Acquire Leading Developer Big Huge Games announces THQ is buying Big Huge Games, the development studio formed in February 2000 by Brian Reynolds and other Firaxis expatriates (story). The announcement calls BHG as "a leading development studio focused on the Role-Playing-Game (RPG) genre," which seems a mischaracterization of a studio focused on the world of real-time strategy like their Rise of Nations series, perhaps influenced by the fact that BHG is currently working on an RPG for PCs and consoles. Word is:

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI - News) today announced plans to acquire Big Huge Games, a leading development studio focused on the Role-Playing-Game (RPG) genre, a multi-billion dollar market segment.

Big Huge Games was founded in 2000 by four veteran game developers, Brian Reynolds, Jason Coleman, Dave Inscore and Tim Train, who together have brought strategy gamers such classic hits as Rise of Nations®, Alpha Centauri®, and Civilization II®. Key studio members also include Ken Rolston, a 25-year RPG design veteran whose most recent design accolades include Elder Scrolls IV: OblivionTM and Elder Scrolls III; MorrowindTM.

“The acquisition of Big Huge Games is a big win for THQ as we continue to expand both our internal development capabilities and our portfolio of owned intellectual properties,” said Jack Sorensen, executive vice president of worldwide studios, THQ. “The talent at Big Huge Games has an outstanding history of developing top-selling quality games and we look forward to their creation of many exciting new owned franchises for THQ.”

“We are extremely excited to become a part of THQ,” said Tim Train, president and COO of Big Huge Games. “We believe their passion for games, developer support, and understanding of the creative process is without parallel in the industry. THQ provides an ideal environment to help us develop new, innovative games for both core gamers and mass market.”

The studio is currently in development on a previously announced new RPG title for THQ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC, as well as additional console projects based on their proprietary technology.

The acquisition is expected to close shortly, subject to certain conditions. Under the terms of the agreement, Big Huge Games will become a wholly owned subsidiary of THQ and the studio’s management and employees will continue with the company. The 100 person studio is located in Timonium, Maryland. Financial terms were not disclosed.